I am 68 years old and will be visiting relatives in Poland that I have never met. What should I bring as gifts ? They are between the ages of 40 and 70.

Little stuffed toy kangaroos? Pineapples and leis? Maple leaf hockey paraphernalia? A Cajun cookbook?

Where do YOU live?

More information would lead to better advice.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi Rex ,

I live in Southern Florida. All the items that you have mentioned are available in my area but I deem them all inappropriate. However I thank you for the input.

If these relatives were visiting you, what would you like them to bring as gifts - food, candles, local crafts?

Recently we had 2 exchange students from Sarasota to stay. They brought us Key Lime Coolers (yummy cookies in a pretty tin); jars of Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter (the BEST!); Skippy smooth PB; a picture frame with shells; a scented candle made locally with shells in it, far too nice to burn; a local calendar - tomorrow we turn from a Lido Beach scene to Selby Gardens; a lovely book of the area with photographs of many local attractions; assorted sweets and cookies which were mostly eaten by the students. Apart from the Jif Peanut Butter, the most useful has been the calendar, and it is looked at almost every day.

Regarding gifts in general, if in doubt I almost always give a photograph frame. But unless you know the recipient well, go for a classic design that doesn't date and suits almost any decor. And if they don't want a photo frame, well - presents make presents, as my granny used to say!

The tastes and flavors of Mexican and Latin American cuisines are (at least somewhat, I think) "in" and trendy among many Europeans now. I'd put together a goodie basket of things that represent Cuban and "Florida" cooking - - safe to say they have never had a guava-cheese empanada, for example (I realize those would not be so good once they are no longer fresh - - but you get the idea). Coconut spread, mango jam, (canned?) she crab soup - - you can probably think of more similar ideas (and yes, those Key Lime cookies are wonderful - - include those!)

Do you have any old photos with common family members pictured? A nice framed copy might be nice. And perhaps a matching frame that will later have a photo of you with these relatives. Did you discover them through a family tree? If so, perhaps some of the family history.

I also like the idea of a gift basket full of your local food specialties, including, of course, some American peanut butter!